A recent social media post by the United States Trade Representative highlighting a new US–India trade agreement has drawn attention not for its economic message, but for the map used in its visual.
The graphic, shared to promote expanded market access for American agricultural and industrial products, depicts Jammu and Kashmir as part of India, raising concerns in Pakistan and all over the world over accuracy and diplomatic sensitivity.
The post focuses on tariff reductions and increased access for US goods such as tree nuts, grains, fruit, and spirits. However, the cartographic representation has overshadowed the trade message in South Asia.
Kashmir remains a long-standing and internationally recognized disputed territory, acknowledged as such by the United Nations.
Official representations that present the region as a settled part of one country risk creating confusion and unintended political signals, even when shared in a trade-related context.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that Kashmir’s status cannot be altered unilaterally and must be resolved in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
From Islamabad’s perspective, official visuals shared by major partners should reflect this recognized complexity rather than simplify or overlook it.
While trade messaging is important, such representations carry diplomatic weight. Maps are not neutral images in contested regions; they often signal political positions, whether intended or not.
In an already sensitive regional environment even inadvertent cartographic choices can lead to misinterpretation and unnecessary strain.
Islamabad and Washington continue to engage closely across a range of strategic, economic, and regional issues. For that reason, clarity and consistency in public messaging matter.
Pakistan expects alignment with the United States’ long-stated position of neutrality on Kashmir which has historically acknowledged the dispute rather than endorsing unilateral claims.
The issue does not detract from broader US–Pakistan engagement but it underlines the need for care in official communication. Ensuring accuracy in such representations helps avoid misunderstandings and reinforces trust between partners in a region where symbolism and perception carry lasting significance.
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